Turkey launches counter-terror Operation Claw-2 in N Iraq

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

Turkey launched counter-terror Operation Claw-2 in northern Iraq on July 12 at 10 pm (local time), the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on July 13.

Turkey will continue to destroy weapon emplacements and shelters used by PKK terrorists in a new area with Operation Claw-2, said the ministry in a statement.

"This is a follow-up on the successfully ongoing Claw-1 operation in Hakurk area which revealed new information on terrorist activity," said the ministry in a statement.

Operations in Hakurk will continue as planned by the air force and with the support of Turkish jets, ATAK helicopters, drones and armored military vehicles, the statement added.

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.